LIFESTYLE AND AUTONOMY OF THE ELDERLYS WHO PRACTICE AND ELDERLY THAT DON'T PRACTICE GYM"S ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Currently 14,9% of the population of Rio de Janeiro has more than 60 years. In Brazil, for each group of 100 children aged 0 to 14 years are 24.7, 65 years old or more by 2050 this number will be reversed for 100 children 0-14 there will be 172, seven elderly (IBGE 2009). As they age the functional capabilities are not the same, there loss of adaptability, mobility and functional deficiencies, most of these losses is due to reductions in the natural functioning of bone, joint and muscular. The aim of this study was to determine the level of autonomy of elderly people of both genders who practice strength training, in Rio de Janeiro. Take as indicative of the strength training can promote a better autonomy and a better lifestyle for the elderly population. Participants were three groups of apparently healthy elderly individuals aged between 60 and 76 years. Divided into three groups, G1-aged practitioners of strength training (weightlifting), G2-elderly who do other physical activities like walking, and the control group G3-sedentary elderly. The subjects underwent a clinical history, verification of BMI (body mass index) of WHR (waist and hip), the PAR-Q questionnaire and IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - short version), the profile style individual life proposed by Nahas, and protocol GDLAM assessment of functional autonomy. Individuals in the G3 (sedentary) had a BMI in obese I and II and high WHR, which may be related to the low results on tests of GDLAN also seems that these associated factors affect the quality of life for seniors. The G1 (elderly trained) showed better results in all components of the research. It may be noted that the elderly who do strength training at a gym or physical activities like walking or swimming have more autonomy and better quality of life when compared to sedentary elderly. Thus demonstrating the importance of regular physical exercise on the aging process.